Police have appealed for the public's help to identify a woman following a suspicious incident in Westminster.

At around 3.30pm on Tuesday February 24, a woman asked a police officer for access to a highly restricted area, but was refused.

Detectives believe it was the same woman recorded on nearby CCTV at around the same time (pictured). Ten minutes after her approach to the officer, she returned to the secure area but did not try to gain access again.

Later, a scarf - police believed to have been carried by the woman - was found on a nearby wall wrapped around two large knives.

Officers are keen to identify this woman because of this suspicious behaviour.

This is not being linked to any other incidents at this time.

If you think you know who this woman might be, please contact the officers on 020 7161 6216 or by dialling 101.